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Should You Bother Filing a Water Damage Claim in Palm Beach?

We are now in the midst of the rainy season in south Florida, and before you know it we’ll be preparing for the hurricane season of late August and September. The amount of rain we get this time of the year makes it a major inconvenience to have a roof leak, but unfortunately many homeowners in the West Palm Beach area are dealing with this very serious problem.

One mistake people often make after a roof leak is to assume that repairs will be covered by their insurance policy. But that’s not usually the case. In fact, most insurance companies only cover physical damages—also called “acts of God.” Everything else is considered basic home maintenance.

Put simply, if a tree falls on your house or your roof sustains serious hail or wind damage, you’ll likely be covered. If your roof begins to slowly leak during a rainstorm in Boca Raton, your insurer is not likely to cover it.

It might not seem fair, but think of it this way: If your water heater breaks down after years of use, would you expect your insurer to replace it? Of course not. Most roof leaks are the result of regular wear and tear, and replacing or repairing a roof is the unfortunate responsibility of the homeowner.

Now, it’s important to note that while common roof leaks are not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance, any water damage caused by the leak might be. It depends on the specific policy you’ve set up with your insurance agent.

So should you file a water damage claim?

All of this begs an important question—should you even consider filing a roof leak claim in West Palm Beach? It depends on a number of factors.

First, consider your insurance deductible. If the water damage from your roof is estimated to be about $500 to repair and your deductible is $2,000, then it doesn’t make much sense to file a roof leak claim, which will then go on your claims record.

You should also think about the extent of the damage, and if it’s an easy fix or more structural in nature. There’s a chance that your insurance company will cover major roof damage repairs, so it could be worth running the risk. Again, it’s important to examine your individual policy to find out what is and is not covered when it comes to roof leaks.

If you decide you want to explore whether it is worth making a roof leak claim.  Call Advocate Claims before you put this on your insurance claim record. We will help you determine if reporting a roof leak is of value.

If you decide it’s worth reporting a roof leak insurance claim in Palm Beach County, a public adjuster can give you the best chances at success. Rather than depending on your insurance company—which has a goal of paying out the least amount of money possible—a public adjuster with Advocate Claims works on your behalf to examine your policy and claim, working professionally with your insurer to find the best resolution possible.

Advocate Claims works with families throughout West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter and the surrounding areas, helping to file insurance claims and receive the compensation they need and deserve from insurance companies. To learn more, call 561-962-0065 or contact us online.